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The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Jim Bradley, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing made the announcement.

The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this investment as part of the Government of Canada’s funding announced under Canada’s Economic Action Plan for Ontario. This will lead to improved energy efficiency and support the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems in existing and new affordable housing that are capable of generating energy and selling surplus energy back into the electrical grid.

The funding for today’s announcement is part of a joint investment of more than $1.2 billion over two years through an amendment to the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement which was announced in June 2009.

The Government of Canada wants to improve the quality of existing social housing to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity in their communities, close to family and friends. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides over two years $850 million for the renovation and retrofit of existing social housing, plus a further $475 million to build new rental housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. These new housing investments also address Canada’s goals with respect to climate change and the environment. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Ontario is investing $704 million to repair eligible social housing across the province. In addition, the province has already approved more than $382 million for construction-ready projects, which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities across the province. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan can be found at www.actionplan.gc.ca. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.

LEARN MORE

http://www.cmhc.ca

www.mah.gov.on.ca

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2. THE ATLANTIC ENERGY GATEWAY – MAKING ATLANTIC CANADA A LEADER IN CLEAN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
3. Renewable Energy Reports: Nova Scotia

Beginning today, milk containers will be part of the NWT Beverage
Container Program. The initiative is part of the Government of the
Northwest Territories’ (GNWT) Waste Reduction and Recovery Program
Expansion.

“I am pleased to see our Territory take this next step in expanding
our environmental stewardship,” Minister of Environment and Natural
Resources (ENR) J. Michael Miltenberger says. “With the continued
participation of NWT residents, the addition of milk containers to the
Beverage Container Program will work to keep our communities and
highways litter free and reduce the waste that is added to our
landfills.”

All milk and liquid milk products, including milk jugs, milk and milk
substitute cartons, yogurt drink bottles, condensed or evaporated milk
cans, UHT boxes, and creamer bottles will be accepted at all NWT
bottle depots. Infant formula and milk and liquid milk products in
containers less than 30 mL are not part of the program. Money raised
through the Beverage Container Program goes into ENR’s Environment
Fund, which is used to cover program expenses and improve waste
reduction and recovery programs.

Bottle depots will refuse to accept containers if they have a strong
odour, or are not rinsed properly. NWT residents are reminded to
ensure milk containers are thoroughly washed for sanitary reasons.

The Waste Reduction and Recovery Program is part of the GNWT’s
Managing This Land strategic initiative introduced to support the 16th
Assembly’s goal to realize an environment that will sustain present
and future generations.

For more information, visit www.icarenwt.ca

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2. NB: Paint Recycling Program Launched
3. Yukon Adds $1.1 Million to Mining Incentive Program

PACIFIC LEADERS TAKE ACTION
ON CLEAN ENERGY, TRANSPORTATION, OCEAN CONSERVATION

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington have signed onto a series of joint actions that will help create jobs, strengthen the Pacific Coast economy, advance action on climate change and clean energy, and protect the marine environment.

The actions were ratified today during the inaugural Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. Established by British Columbia’s premier and Pacific Coast governors in June 2008, the collaborative’s founding agreement pledges the participating governments to forge a partnership for leadership, co-operative action, and a common voice on issues affecting the Pacific coast region.

The meeting was hosted by Premier Gordon Campbell of British Columbia and chaired by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California. Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington, and Secretary of State Kate Brown representing the state of Oregon, and Governor Ted Kulongoski also attended. The forum took advantage of participants being in Vancouver to attend the opening of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“The agreements signed today are an important step towards advancing North America’s West Coast as a global leader in the new low-carbon economy, ocean health, renewable energy and transportation,” said Premier Campbell. “I want to thank the governors for coming to British Columbia to help us celebrate the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and for continuing to work with us to build a strong economy and sustainable region for our citizens.”

“The actions we are taking today will build a stronger economy and a stronger environment for communities throughout the Pacific region and beyond,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “The Pacific Coast Collaborative has shown that by taking meaningful action and showing determined leadership, the rest of the world will follow the steps we are taking to build a better future. I want to thank Premier Campbell, Governor Gregoire and Governor Kulongoski for helping our entire region move forward through this important collaborative.”

“Those of us here today recognize the challenges of a changing climate and a changing economy,” Governor Gregoire said. “By acting together, we can show the world that it is possible, and necessary, to embrace solutions that address both.”

“These agreements demonstrate our collective commitment to protecting the health of the West Coast’s ocean and the ecosystems and economies that depend on them,” Governor Kulongoski said. “Taking strong action now means a stronger tomorrow for our coastal communities.”

Two action plans were signed by the leaders today: Innovation, the Environment and the Economy; and Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation.

The Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy sets out a series of co-operative initiatives to promote renewable and low-carbon energy and energy conservation, including developing Interstate 5/Highway 99 as a green transportation corridor. It also promotes development of high-speed rail from San Diego to Vancouver and the move to “Green Ports” through co-operation to reduce local air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation focuses on co-operation on invasive species, reductions in toxins and other pollutants, promoting sustainable fisheries management and research into impacts from climate change and adaptation options.

The forum also saw the leaders consider and release for further discussion and public input a “Vision 2030” paper intended to serve as a living document for the Pacific Coast Collaborative. The paper sets out a strategic vision for the future of Pacific North America and regional collaboration. The objective is to ensure that west coast jurisdictions achieve global leadership in sustainable economic development – attracting new jobs and encouraging investment and innovation while enhancing an already unparalleled quality of life.

The leaders also unveiled a new, shared PCC website to facilitate regional sharing of information and best practices between governments and with citizens. It is online at: http://www.pacificcoastcollaborative.org. The documents signed today can also be found on this site.

Leaders welcomed Oregon Governor Kulongoski’s offer to host and chair the next PCC Leaders Forum in November 2010.

BACKGROUNDER

PACIFIC COAST COLLABORATIVE 2010 ACTION PLANS

The Pacific Coast Collaborative

On June 30, 2008, the premier of British Columbia and the governors of Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington signed the Memorandum to Establish the Pacific Coast Collaborative, the first agreement that brings together the Pacific leaders as a common front to set a co-operative direction. The Pacific Coast Collaborative is a formal basis for co-operative action, a forum for leadership and information sharing, and a common voice on issues facing Pacific North America. The following were set as priority areas for action:

• Clean energy
• Regional transportation
• Innovation, research and development
• Sustainable regional economy
• Emergency management
• Any other areas of common interest

The Memorandum establishing the Pacific Coast Collaborative provides a framework for the development, discussion and adoption of specific agreements or action plans applying to all participating jurisdictions or for those applying to as few as just two jurisdictions.

The Feb. 12, 2010 meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia was the first annual Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. During the session, the leaders of British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington agreed to two action plans:

1.Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy

• Actions on Renewable and Low Carbon Energy include:

o   Promote development and delivery of renewable and low carbon energy in areas including: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower, tidal/wave energy.

o   Support the Western Renewable Energy Zone (WREZ) Project to ensure cost-effective and environmentally-sensitive development of renewable low-carbon energy.

o   Share data and best practices to minimize environmental impacts from renewable low-carbon energy development.

o   Harmonize definitions of low impact renewable resources, starting with hydropower.

o   Seek collaborations on forest product innovation for renewable energy.

• Actions on Energy Conservation include:

o   Participate in Pacific Coast symposia on energy equipment.

o   Encourage a “Conservation First” program for regional electrical, gas utilities to encourage lower consumer energy demand, and collaborate on pilot projects for industrial energy efficiency.

o   Promote a wood-building culture and regional forest product innovations for renewable energy.

o   Collaborate on pilot projects for industrial energy efficiency.

o   Share information on efficiency standards in building codes.

o   Leverage energy-efficiency standards for public buildings.

o   Partner to promote green and living communities.

o   Collaborate on a vision to establish “net-zero community energy” homes and buildings.

• Actions on Transportation include:

o   Work with government agencies and private sector partners on further study into a high-speed passenger rail from San Diego to Vancouver, B.C.

o   Build a Pacific Green Highway through continued support for transformation of  Interstate 5 (US) / Highway 99 (B.C.) corridor to establish infrastructure for alternative fuels including through public-private partnerships.

o   Collaborate and share information such as permitting, codes and standards on all electric and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles and hydrogen vehicles; maximize results from research and commercialization efforts.

o   Create consistent roadside signage for alternative fuel stations.

o   Collaborate on next generation biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel blends.

o   Collaborate on public fleet vehicle purchases to maximise purchase leverage.

o   Maximize results from university research and commercialization efforts.

o   Work towards “Green Ports” through synchronized policies and regulations that provide incentives for and encourage development of innovative and sustainable technologies to reduce fine particulates, hazardous air pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.

2.Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation

• Actions on Ocean  Health and Conservation include:

o   Co-operate on the prevention and clean-up of marine debris.

o   Co-operate to prevent or reduce the spread of invasive species.

o   Collaborate on best practices for reducing risks from toxins and non point source pollution.

o   Promote sustainable fisheries management.

• Actions on Coastal Climate Change Adaptation include:

o   Research and share data on impacts from possible changes to marine and coastal environments and changes in ocean acidity.

o   Share information to address adaptation needs such flood protection and land use decisions.

• Actions on Ocean Research and Innovation include:

o   Support funding by federal governments for the long-term maintenance of ocean observing systems.

o   Support sharing of ocean research and innovation including seafloor mapping.

-30-

BACKGROUNDER

VISION 2030: POSITIONING PACIFIC NORTH AMERICA FOR

SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY

Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington released for public input a discussion paper, “Vision 2030”. The paper sets out a strategic vision for regional collaboration. It attempts to answer the question: “What could Pacific North America look like in 2030?“

The objective is to ensure that west coast jurisdictions achieve global leadership in sustainable economic development – attracting new jobs and encouraging investment and innovation while enhancing an already unparalleled quality of life.

“Vision 2030” outlines a possible future under the headings of:

• Harnessing the Power of Collaboration
• A Sustainable Regional Economy in 2030
• Creating Green jobs
• Building Economically Sustainable Communities
• An Innovative Economy
• Creating Regional Networks of Innovation
• Providing Innovative Education and Skills Training
• A Low-Carbon Economy
• Promoting Renewable Energy
• Accelerating Clean Transportation
• Connecting High Speed Rail
• Utilizing Green Ports
• A Conservation Economy
• Building a Smart Grid
• Constructing Green Buildings and Communities
• Getting to Zero Waste
• Promoting Resource Conservation
• A Secure Regional Economy
• Establishing Emergency Management Systems
• Adapting to Climate Change.

The document was released Feb. 12, 2010 by the Premier of British Columbia and the governors of California, Oregon and Washington on the occasion of the first Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative in Vancouver, B.C.

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.

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“I am pleased to announce our approach to community energy today, and I look forward to the innovative projects that we will see in New Brunswick as a result of today’s announcement,” said Energy Minister Jack Keir. “Community energy provides a terrific opportunity for interested communities and First Nations to participate actively in the development of renewable energy in our province while contributing to the environmental sustainability of our communities.”

The initial phase will consist of 75 MW, of which 50 MW will be assigned to community-owned projects and the other 25 MW to First Nations projects. Approved projects will receive 10 cents/kWh for electricity produced beginning in 2010. After five years, the price of the electricity produced will increase with the consumer price index in New Brunswick.

To qualify under the policy, projects must not be larger than 15 MW in capacity. They must be majority-owned by First Nations, municipalities, co-operatives, not-for-profit organizations or institutions. New Brunswick-based private corporations and investors may be minority partners.

“As a key component of our government’s energy policy, we are committed to the development of renewable energy in New Brunswick,” said Keir. “The provincial government is, and always will be, focused on providing opportunities for New Brunswickers in all regions of the province to participate in the Energy Hub.”

Eleven workshops will be held between March 8 and 24 to educate interested communities and partners about the policy. A request for expressions of interest will be issued before the end of May to identify and define projects and proponents.

“Supporting community projects and increasing renewable energy capacity in the northern region of our province are objectives identified in An Action Plan for Self-Sufficiency in Northern New Brunswick 2010-2013,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault, who is also the minister responsible for the Northern New Brunswick Initiative. “Community energy is part of our three-year plan to develop the North, and I am proud to support this initiative.”

The Department of Energy, Business New Brunswick and the New Brunswick Enterprise Network will provide guidance and support to Community Energy Policy proponents that come forward. The Department of Energy will have two economic development officers dedicated to helping those interested in the policy. One of the officers will be based in northern New Brunswick.

“I welcome this policy, which will contribute to environmental sustainability by fostering the development of green energy projects that use renewable energy sources including wind, solar and tidal power,” said Environment Minister Rick Miles. “This is a good example of how we can build on the commitments made in the New Brunswick Climate Change Action Plan, and I encourage interested groups to participate.”

More information about the policy is online or may be obtained by contacting the Department of Energy, 506-658-3180.

10/02/09

EDITOR’S NOTE: Following are a backgrounder describing the policy and a schedule of Community Energy Policy workshops. MEDIA CONTACT: Bonnie Doyle Creber, communications, Department of Energy, 506-658-2410.

The Community Energy Policy

Renewable energy is corner stone of the Province of New Brunswick’s energy policy, providing economic development opportunities and creating sustainable communities.

To support the growth of renewable energy in New Brunswick, the provincial government has developed a Community Energy Policy. The goal is to foster the development of locally owned and operated energy projects. It encourages participation from communities and First Nations, providing them the opportunity to contribute significantly to renewable and clean forms of electricity generation.

Community Energy Policy projects are defined as projects under 15 MW that are 51 per cent or more owned by one of the following New Brunswick-based entities: First Nations, municipalities, co-operatives, associations and not-for-profit organizations. The first phase will allow up to 75 MW of community energy projects, of which 25 MW will be allocated to First Nations.

Community Energy Policy projects may be based on biomass resources, wind, solar, small hydro or tidal power. Proponents must demonstrate availability and access to the energy resources being considered and present a viable business case.

Successful proponents will sign a long-term power purchase agreement with the local utility, which will set the initial price of electricity at $0.10 /kWh. This feed-in-tariff will be frozen for the first five years and then escalate with the consumer price index in New Brunswick. Proponents will be responsible for all costs associated with construction and maintenance.

The Department of Energy, with support from Business New Brunswick, the Regional Development Corporation and the New Brunswick Enterprise Network, will provide guidance and support to potential proponents that come forward. The Department of Energy will have two economic development officers dedicated to helping those interested in the policy. One of them will be in northern New Brunswick, the other in the south. A strategic development officer has been assigned from the Aboriginal Affairs Secretariat to work with First Nations.

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Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau and federal Minister of Environment Jim Prentice signed the agreement Monday, Jan. 25.

Nova Scotia regulates greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector and is committed in the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act to reducing these emissions to at least 10 per cent below 1990 levels by 2020.

“Nova Scotia is first in the country to impose absolute emissions caps in the electricity sector,” said Mr. Belliveau. “We look forward to working with Minister Prentice and his federal colleagues as part of Canada’s response to climate change.”

“Effectively addressing climate change requires action by all governments in Canada,” said Mr. Prentice. “We are pleased to co-operate with the province of Nova Scotia to coordinate our efforts to ensure a national, coherent climate change approach for all Canadians.”

The province is working to ensure 25 per cent of its energy comes from renewable sources by 2015. The federal-provincial agreement focuses on the importance of renewable and clean energy sources in meeting common objectives.

The agreement-in-principle includes three important shared points:
–Action by Nova Scotia on climate change and air pollutants are recognized by the federal government, and regulatory processes will be co-ordinated
–There is a commitment to work together on climate change and that energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy are key interests of both governments
–Both governments will share information to help achieve climate change commitments.

For more information on Nova Scotia’s action on climate change visit www.climatechange.gov.ns.ca .

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Environment Canada will be drafting proposed regulations to manage the end-of-life of ozone-depleting substances and their halocarbon alternatives. The proposed regulations may require importers, manufacturers, distributors and reclaimers of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) for use in the cooling sector to participate in an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program. The proposed regulations will require that EPR programs accept refrigerants that contain CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs or PFCs from certain stationary and mobile refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment.

Environment Canada has undertaken consultations on the proposed EPR regulations. These consultations are meant to provide the opportunity for all stakeholders to comment on the proposed regulations, raise awareness of their concerns, and contribute to the development of regulations based on a common understanding of the environmental benefits to be achieved. Environment Canada has developed a consultation document to stimulate and engage discussions.

Face-to-face consultations were held in Toronto on November 30 and December 1, 2009. Environment Canada is considering the possibility of holding further consultation meetings with stakeholders regarding the proposed approach.

For additional information concerning the proposed regulations, please contact:

Regular mail:

Ozone Protection Programs
Chemicals Management Division
Environment Canada
Place Vincent Massey
351 St. Joseph Boulevard, 17^th Floor
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3

Email:

OzoneProtectionPrograms@ec.gc.ca

Please type “Consultation on Proposed EPR Regulations” in the subject line.

Related links:

• Consultation document: Proposed Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations for Managing End-of-Life Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODSs) and their Halocarbon Alternatives
• Notice of Intent (Canada Gazette, Part I, May 30, 2009) (PDF Format, 169KB)

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OTTAWA, January 20, 2010 - Canada’s Environment Minister Jim Prentice and Mr. Gaétan Caron, chair and CEO of the National Energy Board, announced today the establishment of a three-member joint review panel for the environmental and regulatory review of the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline Project.

Minister Prentice and the National Energy Board appointed Ms. Sheila A. Leggett as the Panel chair, and Mr. Hans Matthews and Mr. Kenneth M. Bateman as Panel members. Biographical information on the Panel chair and members is available in the accompanying backgrounder.

The joint review panel process will provide an opportunity for all hearing participants to make their views known on the project in an open and transparent forum. The public and Aboriginal groups are encouraged to bring their views on the Northern Gateway Project forward to the Joint Review Panel (the Panel).

A Joint Review Panel Agreement (the Agreement) for the environmental and regulatory review was signed by Minister Prentice and Mr. Caron and was released on December 4, 2009. The Agreement, which was issued for public comment for a 64-day period before being finalized, describes the Panel’s terms of reference as well as the process to be followed for conducting the joint panel review.

The Agreement, including the Terms of Reference, as well as additional information on the project are available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca, under reference number 06-05-21799, and on the National Energy Board’s website at www.neb-one.gc.ca.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the Participant Funding Program which supports individuals and non-profit organizations and Aboriginal groups interested in participating in the review panel process. Next steps in the review process will include the announcement of the participant funding recipients and the filing of the project application by Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines with the National Energy Board. The Panel will provide additional opportunities for public input and input by Aboriginal groups on the List of Issues to be considered by the Panel. Additional information will be available when the Panel issues its Hearing Order.

About the Project

Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines proposes to construct and operate two pipelines, 1,170 km in length, between an inland terminal at Bruderheim, Alberta and a marine terminal near Kitimat, British Columbia. About 500 km of pipeline will be in Alberta and 670 km in British Columbia. One of the pipelines will carry crude oil west to Kitimat and the other line will carry condensate east to Bruderheim. The project also includes the construction and operation of an integrated marine infrastructure at tidewater to accommodate loading and unloading of oil and condensate tankers and marine transportation of oil and condensate.

About the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

About the National Energy Board

The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several parts of Canada’s energy industry. Its purpose is to promote safety and security, environmental protection, and efficient energy infrastructure and markets in the Canadian public interest, within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade.

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January 20, 2010. January 20, 2010. Fredericton, NB and Québec City, QC .– Premiers Shawn Graham and Jean Charest announced today the conclusion of negotiations on an energy agreement between the provinces of New Brunswick and Québec. Fredericton, NB and Quebec City, QC .- First Shawn Graham and Jean Charest today announced the conclusion of negotiations on an energy agreement between the provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec. This concludes the discussions undertaken by the governments of Québec and New Brunswick in early 2009, which resulted in the signature of a memorandum of understanding on October 29, 2009. This concludes the discussions Undertaken by the governments of Quebec and New Brunswick in early 2009, Which search resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding on October 29, 2009.

With this agreement, the two governments achieve their goals, while addressing the concerns expressed by New Brunswickers since the MOU was signed. With this agreement, the two governments Achieve their goals, while addressing the concerns expressed by New Brunswickers since the MOU was signed. Under the agreement’s framework, New Brunswick will benefit from advantageous electricity rates, a significant reduction in provincial debt and a secure, long-term source of electricity, all the while retaining responsibility for its energy strategy and implementation. Under the agreement’s framework, New Brunswick will benefit from advantageous electricity rates, a significant reduction in provincial debt and a secure, long-term source of electricity, all the while retaining responsibility for its energy strategy and implementation. For its part, Hydro-Québec will acquire quality generation assets as well as firm transmission rights, and will commit to a profitable long-term power supply contract. For its part, Hydro-Quebec will acquire quality generation assets as well as firm transmission rights, and will commit to a profitable long-term power supply contract.

The transaction The transaction

As part of a global transaction worth $3.2 billion, Hydro-Québec will acquire most of NB Power’s generation assets for $1.8 billion. As part of a global transaction worth $ 3.2 billion, Hydro-Quebec will acquire most of NB Power’s generation assets for $ 1.8 billion. This will include the 7 hydroelectric generating facilities, the 2 diesel peaking units located on the main grid and firm transmission rights associated with the acquired generation assets, including 670 MW of transmission rights with New England. This will include the 7 hydroelectric generating facilities, the 2 diesel peaking units located on the main grid and firm transmission rights associated with the acquired generation assets, including 670 MW of transmission rights with New England. Hydro-Québec will also acquire the Point Lepreau nuclear facility for $1.4 billion upon its successful refurbishment, on or about January 1, 2011. Hydro-Quebec will also acquire the Point Lepreau nuclear facility for $ 1.4 billion upon its successful refurbishment, on or about January 1, 2011. The transmission and distribution arms of NB Power and the deferral account associated with the Point Lepreau refurbishment will be retained by New Brunswick. The transmission and distribution arms of NB Power and the deferral account associated with the Point Lepreau refurbishment will be retained by New Brunswick. Approximately two-thirds of the utility’s employees will continue to work for NB Power and employees of Holdco will continue to offer services to the operating companies of NB Power. Approximately two-thirds of the utility’s employees will continue to work for NB Power and employees of Holdco will continue to offer services to the operating companies of NB Power.

Hydro-Québec will act as an electricity wholesaler to NB Power. Hydro-Quebec will act as an electricity wholesaler to NB Power. Under a long-term power contract, Hydro-Québec will provide NB Power with an annual supply of 14 TWh of electricity. Under a long-term power contract, Hydro-Quebec Will Provide NB Power with an annual supply of 14 TWh of electricity. For the first five years, that supply will be provided at a price of 7.35¢ per kWh. For the first five years, that supply will be provided at a price of 7.35 cents per kWh. As previously announced, after that period the price will change only according to New Brunswick’s Consumer Price Index (CPI). As previously announced, after that period the price will change only according to New Brunswick’s Consumer Price Index (CPI).

New Brunswick will manage this heritage electricity by creating two pools: one of 4.5 TWh for industrial customers and one of 9.5 TWh for residential, commercial and wholesale customers. New Brunswick will manage this heritage electricity by creating two pools: one of 4.5 billion kWh for industrial customers and one of 9.5 TWh for residential, commercial and wholesale customers. The rates at which the electricity in each of these two pools will be sold is described in the accompanying summary of the agreement. The rates at Which the electricity in each of these two pools will be sold is described in the accompanying summary of the agreement.

NB Power will maintain the ownership and operation of the province’s transmission and distribution assets, as well as of the Grand Manan facility supplying electricity to the island of the same name. NB Power will Maintain the ownership and operation of the province’s transmission and distribution assets, as well as of the Grand Manan facility supplying electricity to the island of the same name. As well, the thermal generating facilities at Coleson Cove and Belledune will continue to be owned by NB Power and will supply electricity to Hydro-Québec under tolling agreements. As well, the thermal generating facilities at Coleson Cove and Belledune will continue to be owned by NB Power and will supply electricity to Hydro-Quebec under tolling agreements.

The transaction is expected to close on or about March 31, 2010 for the assets acquired, with the exception of the Point Lepreau facility, which will be transferred upon the successful completion of its refurbishment and the issuance of the necessary operating permits, expected to be on or about January 1, 2011. The transaction is expected to close on or about March 31, 2010 for the assets acquired, with the exception of the Point Lepreau facility, Which Will be transferred upon the successful completion of its refurbishment and the issuance of the necessary operating permits, expected to be on or about January 1, 2011.

“Our partnership with Québec will secure lower energy costs for our province, leave NB Power as a New Brunswick-owned entity, and reaffirm our province’s control over decisions affecting energy policy,” said Premier Shawn Graham. “Our partnership with Quebec will secure lower energy costs for our province, leave NB Power as a New Brunswick-owned entity, and Reaffirm our province’s control over decisions affecting energy policy,” said Premier Shawn Graham. “We are proud of a partnership that allows us to create jobs and a better economic future for New Brunswick, and to do our part in reducing greenhouse gases.” “We are proud of a partnership that Allows us to create jobs and a better economic future for New Brunswick, and to do our part in reducing greenhouse gases.”

“In a world where access to clean renewable energy sources is an issue, where energy needs are strong and continue to grow, Québec and New Brunswick are leading the way. The changes we are announcing today, along with firm transmission rights to New England, allow us to achieve the goals set out in the agreement reached with New Brunswick,” said Charest. “In a world where access to clean renewable energy sources is an issue, where energy needs are strong and continues to grow, Quebec and New Brunswick are leading the way. The changes we are announcing today, along with firm transmission rights to New England, allow us to Achieve the goals set out in the agreement reached with New Brunswick, “said Charest. “Hydro-Québec will acquire quality assets allowing it to maximize its export capacity, while New Brunswickers will benefit from a reliable source of energy with important economic and environmental benefits,” he concluded. “Hydro-Quebec will acquire quality assets Allowing it to maximize its export capacity, while New Brunswickers will benefit from a reliable source of energy with significant economic and environmental benefits,” he concluded.

- 30 – - 30 –

Summary of Agreement on Energy between the governments of Québec (QC) and New Brunswick (NB) (PDF, 2 pages, 328 KB) Summary of Agreement on Energy between the governments of Quebec (QC) and New Brunswick (NB) (PDF, 2 pages, 328 KB)

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1. New Brunswick and Québec unveil proposed agreement on energy
2. New Brunswick’s Development as an Energy Hub: Prince Edward Island and Québec launch discussions on energy
3. P.E.I., Quebec launch discussions on energy partnership

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